In this heartfelt teaching, Sheikh Mehmed Adil reminds us that the foundation of every Sufi path is adab—the spirit of good conduct toward Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him), and all of creation. Before any other instruction can take root, a seeker must first cultivate humility, gratitude, and sincerity in relation to the Divine.
Sheikh Mehmed Adil explains that adab begins with remembering Allah’s endless blessings and refraining from complaint. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught, “Everything that Allah gives is good.” Even when circumstances feel difficult or even harmful, they are understood as tests meant to refine the heart. The proper response, therefore, is not lamentation but a humble petition: “O Lord, grant us of Your favor,” trusting that Allah can transform hardship into ease. Rather than asking for patience alone—a quality that may seem elusive—he encourages asking for ihsan (excellence and beneficence), which opens the way for divine assistance to make what is hard become easy.
The teaching also recalls the legacy of early masters such as Grand Sheikh Abdullah, whose intimate gatherings produced thousands of recorded sohbets (spiritual sayings). Those words, meticulously written down by Sheikh Nassim, spread across east and west, illustrating how a community rooted in adab radiates wisdom far beyond its immediate circle.
For members of the Royal Ottoman Society, living this first rule means:
- Constantly recalling Allah’s generosity.
- Responding to every circumstance with gratitude instead of complaint.
- Seeking divine assistance for ease rather than merely asking for endurance.
Through such practice we honor the Tariqa’s opening command and open ourselves to higher stations on the spiritual journey.
For further reflection and discussion, you are welcome to explore our community page. May Allah accept our efforts, turn difficulties into ease, and keep us steadfast on the path of adab.
